WASHINGTON — U.S. Reps. Joe Kennedy III and Bill Keating announced Friday that Fall River will receive $3.6 million in grants from the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, in the form of Community Development Block Grant emergency shelter grants and the HOME program grants.

“As Fall River’s economy continues to grow, strong community services are more essential than ever,” said Kennedy. “Housing and Urban Development grants have long brought needed resources to local governments, helping them provide housing, work force training and critical assistance to citizens who need it most. These grants will provide the city of Fall River with the flexibility needed to address their most pressing concerns.”

“These HUD grants are critical to both improving the quality of life and creating economic development in our cities and towns,” said Keating. “These funds provide the city of Fall River with the needed resources to finance a range of activities including housing, childcare assistance, local economic development and employment training. The result is a tremendous benefit to the entire community.”

The CDGB program provides annual grants to states and local governments to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income people.

The Emergency Shelter Grants program provides annual grants to state and local governments and private agencies to improve the quality and number of emergency homeless shelters.

The HOME program helps to expand the supply of affordable housing to low- and very low-income families, and funds housing programs to meet local needs and priorities.